Tim Scott calls support for Darline Graham an ‘easy choice’ despite her debate flub

Sen. Tim Scott on Sunday defended fellow South Carolina Republican Sen. Darline Graham ahead of her special GOP primary run-off this week, dismissing concerns about her debate blunder on national security last week.

“Darline Graham is the real deal,” Scott told NBC News’ “Meet the Press,” adding that she is, “highly qualified, incredibly competent, ready for prime time.”

Asked how confident he is that Graham will win Tuesday’s primary runoff, Scott said, “Very confident,” adding that he waited several weeks before giving her his endorsement “to make sure that I felt like she was ready.”

“I can tell you, as the senior senator for the great state of South Carolina, the person I want in the Senate with me, Darline Graham, representing the people of South Carolina,” he said. “Easy choice.”

Scott’s remarks come just days after Graham’s viral moment at a debate against Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., whom she faces in Tuesday’s runoff.

Asked about whether Taiwan and the South China Sea are important national security issues facing the U.S., Graham answered, “I’m just going to be honest here. I’m not, on national security, I’m not that informed on national security, so, but I do support the military.”

She added, “My brother was in the Air Force for 33 years, so I will do everything I can to support the military. My dad was in the Army. I’m not a polished politician up here. National security is not my thing, not my area of expertise. But I do support the military.”

The answer drew concerns from some Republicans about Graham’s readiness to govern on national security and foreign policy issues — which were of pre-eminent concern for her brother, the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. — if she’s elected to a full term.

Darline Graham was appointed in July to serve out the rest of her brother’s term after he died unexpectedly . Several days after she was appointed, Graham decided to run in a special election to serve a full term in the Senate and was quickly endorsed by President Donald Trump. After the special primary election, where Graham and Norman advanced to a runoff , Scott endorsed her as well.

Trump and Scott on Friday rallied in South Carolina in support of Graham’s campaign, with the president telling voters, “She only knows how to put America first. ... You vote for her, you’re going to be very proud of that vote.”

On Sunday, Scott, who serves as chair of the Senate Republicans’ campaign arm, the National Republican Senatorial Committee, also spoke about competitive general election contests in states like Texas, Michigan and Iowa, coming up in November.

The senator defended the NRSC’s rhetoric about Michigan Democratic nominee for Senate Abdul El-Sayed, who would become the first Muslim senator if elected.

The NRSC has repeatedly referred to El-Sayed’s faith in social media posts and alleged he has “terrorist ties” despite the lack of any evidence for the claim, drawing criticism from Democrats that Republicans are inciting Islamophobia.

In an interview on “Meet the Press,” earlier this month, El-Sayed responded to GOP attacks painting him as “too radical,” saying, “We always knew they were going to go here.”